Medicines can boost HDL cholesterol

Medicines used to lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels sometimes improve HDL cholesterol levels. These include prescription niacin; fibrates such as gemfibrozil (Lopid); and certain statins, such as simvastatin and rosuvastatin.

But clinical trials haven't shown that increasing HDL cholesterol levels with medicines reduces the risk of heart attack. So your healthcare professional is likely to suggest boosting HDL cholesterol with lifestyle changes instead.